The Double Life of My Pregnant Ex-Wife (Carmen and Marco) novel Chapter 74

The grand hall of the Venetti estate was filled with tension as Marco and Carmen stood before a table of their closest allies. Sergio Montini, his injuries barely healed, leaned against his cane as he listened intently. Luca stood nearby, arms crossed, while the heads of smaller families murmured their concerns.

“This war isn’t just ours anymore,” Marco began, his voice firm. “The Consortium wants to destroy all of us. If we don’t stand together, none of us will survive.”

A skeptical voice came from the back. “With all due respect, Marco, your family’s been weakened. Can you really lead us to victory?”

Marco’s jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Carmen stepped forward.

“We’ve been hit hard,” she said calmly, her gaze sweeping over the room. “That’s true. But every attack has only made us stronger. We’ve identified their weaknesses, dismantled their operations, and now we know who we’re fighting.”

Her voice softened, taking on a quiet authority. “This isn’t about pride or power. It’s about survival. And survival isn’t won by running or doubting—it’s won by standing together. If we lose, the Consortium won’t just take our territories. They’ll take our families, our homes, our lives.”

The room fell silent as her words sank in. Sergio nodded, breaking the tension. “She’s right. The Venettis have proven their strength time and time again. I say we follow them.”

One by one, the other heads nodded, their doubts replaced by resolve. Marco glanced at Carmen, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.

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Later, Marco and Carmen walked through the estate grounds, their son in Carmen’s arms. The weight of the meeting still hung between them, but the sight of their child seemed to soften the edges of the tension.

“You were incredible back there,” Marco said, breaking the silence.

Carmen smiled, shifting the baby in her arms so he could reach for her necklace. “I’ve learned a thing or two from you.”

Marco chuckled, but his expression turned serious. “No, really. They listened to you, Carmen. They believe in you.”

Carmen looked up at him, her voice gentle. “They believe in us, Marco. And that’s what matters.”

He reached out, brushing his hand over their son’s head. “He’s the reason we’re doing this. Everything—every fight, every risk—is for him.”